Grassroots Development Initiatives Foundation–Kenya (GRADIF-K) has played a transformative role in strengthening Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and broader MSMEs through strategic support and provision of Business Development Services (BDSs). Its comprehensive approach has included capacity building in business planning, marketing, and operations, reaching over 16,400 SMEs & MSMEs in selected counties in Kenya. These include the Youth reached through the Kenya Youth Employment and Opportunities Project (KYEOP) through partnership with the Micro and Small Enterprise Authority (MSEA) a state Corporation under the Ministry of Cooperative and Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Development. GRADIF-Kenya has delivered targeted trainings in general merchandize businesses, agribusiness, clothing &textiles, beauty industry businesses, fisheries, and food processing, ICT & AI inclusion in businesses among others, resulting in increased enterprises registration and upgrading to Limited Companies, jobs creation, and enhanced productivity in sectors supported. Notable successes include women and youth empowerment programs in Kiambu, Meru, Isiolo and Tharaka Nithi and Kirinyaga counties that led to formalized businesses and improved market access. In the area of financial literacy, GRADIF-Kenya has enabled over 1200 SMEs to access finance through Cooperative societies/ Saccos, banks, local Micro-Finance Companies and Government developed funds including the Youth& Women Enterprise Funds, Uwezo Fund and from other financial service providers by providing practical trainings and mentorships on development of Business Plans (BPs) budgeting, loan application and packaging, and investment readiness among others. The foundation has worked with financial institutions to adapt their products for informal entrepreneurs, while also facilitating group-based lending, table banking concepts and financial coaching. These initiatives have contributed to stronger financial management, improved creditworthiness, and increased profitability among SMEs, especially those led by women. GRADIF-Kenya has provided direct financial seed capital and start up kits support to over 2600 youths and women for various sector businesses in various supported counties since 2008.
GRADIF-K’s Business Development Services (BDS) model incorporates tailored diagnostics, trainings, mentorship, and learning. Using tools like the Participatory Market Systems Development (PMSD) and Gender Action e Learning System (GALS), the organization has ensured that its support is inclusive and responsive to the needs of women, youth, and marginalized groups. Through partnerships with development agencies and County Governments, National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NCCI), Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA), GRADIF-Kenya has supported enterprise growth, innovation, and resilience, positioning itself as a key driver of inclusive economic development and SME empowerment in Kenya and mainly in the rural unreached regions.